Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Patricia  McGirr

Patricia McGirr

Darfield

Summary

Experienced Assistant Residence Supervisor with regular responsibility for leading shifts across Matawhāiti and Toruatanga, ensuring safe, structured, and well‑coordinated residential operations. Proven capability in operational oversight, staff coordination, risk management, and incident response, including managing high‑risk situations and contributing to thorough debriefs that improve future practice. Recognised for building respectful, professional relationships while maintaining clear boundaries and supporting positive resident behaviour.
Strong background in supporting resident rehabilitation and reintegration, including practical, employment‑focused planning and enhancing engagement in life‑skills and pro‑social activities. Demonstrated leadership in Inclusion, Diversity, and Wellbeing initiatives, working collaboratively with staff and RSMs to strengthen team culture and promote wellbeing. Skilled in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and fostering a cooperative, supportive environment for both residents and staff. Currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Addiction, bringing sound judgement, calm leadership, and a genuine commitment to resident

Overview

1
1
Certification

Work history

Assistant Residents Supervisor

Ara Poutama Aotearoa
Templeton
03 2025 - Current
  • Led shifts confidently, resolving day‑to‑day operational issues and making safe, logical decisions to manage risk.
  • Supported incident responses, including lockdowns, ensuring procedures were followed and contributing to post‑incident reviews.
  • Addressed staff practice concerns professionally, resulting in improved performance, consistency, and safer operations.
  • Provided practical input at SSF meetings to strengthen Life Skills programme engagement and outcomes.
  • Contributed to inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing initiatives that supported a positive, healthy workplace culture.
  • Promoted strong Health, Safety & Wellbeing practices by identifying risks and encouraging clear communication on shift.
  • Delivered effective shift leadership, supervising staff, support workers, residents, and visitors with safe task delegation.
  • Liaised proactively with staff, RSMs, and internal stakeholders to maintain consistent communication and operational alignment.
  • Supported ARSs and staff to engage effectively with residents, encouraging teamwork, clear boundaries, and cooperative goal‑setting.
  • Identified operational issues and recommended practical improvements that enhanced safety, efficiency, and day‑to‑day practice.

Residential Support Worker

Emerge Aotearoa
04 2024 - 03 2025

• Administered medications safely in line with prescribed protocols, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Promoted a positive and safe living environment by encouraging independence, social connection, and wellbeing.
• Delivered high‑quality personal care, supporting residents with daily living tasks while upholding dignity and respect.
• Facilitated group activities that strengthened social engagement, life skills, and emotional wellness.
• Responded calmly and effectively to emergencies, following safety protocols to protect residents and staff.
• Completed regular facility safety checks, identifying hazards and taking prompt corrective action.
• Enhanced resident quality of life through personalised care, tailored support plans, and proactive wellbeing monitoring.
• Advocated for resident rights, promoting autonomy while balancing safety and risk‑management requirements.
• Maintained accurate documentation of care delivery, incidents, resident progress, and whānau communication.
• Monitored medication adherence and supported residents to follow individual treatment plans.
• Contributed to the development of individualised care plans aimed at improving outcomes and resident satisfaction.
• Provided safe transportation for residents attending appointments and community activities.

Small Business Owner

Smiles Natural Therapies
08 2007 - 03 2025
  • Managed a weekly caseload of approximately 25 clients, delivering personalised therapeutic treatments.
    • Maintained accurate client records and developed long‑term treatment plans to support ongoing care and return visits.
    • Consistently increased client satisfaction by providing high‑quality service in a clean, calming, and professional environment.
    • Built strong client relationships through clear communication, follow‑ups, and a professional, welcoming approach.
    • Applied strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology to tailor massage techniques and improve treatment outcomes.
    • Handled front‑of‑house duties including bookings, phone enquiries, payments, and client service documentation.
    • Prepared treatment rooms to a high standard, ensuring comfort, privacy, and a relaxing client experience.
    • Demonstrated empathetic listening and clear explanation of treatment plans, contributing to consistently positive client feedback

Education

Bachelor of Science - Mental Health And Wellbeing

Open Polytechnic

A Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Wellbeing is an undergraduate degree that focuses on understanding and promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing. It combines psychology, health sciences, and social sciences to explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of mental health disorders, while also teaching strategies to support overall wellbeing

Teo Roa Study -

Te Wananga Aotearoa

Teo Reo is vital for fostering cultural respect and understanding in New Zealand, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and social work, where engaging with Māori communities is essential. Learning the language helps build stronger connections and contributes to the preservation of this indigenous language.

Diploma - Massage Therapy

Canterbury School of Natural Medicine

Diploma in Massage

Comprehensive training in therapeutic massage, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology, with practical experience in various techniques. Equipping my skills to assess clients' needs and apply appropriate therapeutic treatments to promote relaxation, pain relief, and overall wellbeing.

Skills

  • Lead shifts confidently to maintain safe, structured operations across Matawhāiti and Toruatanga
  • Make quick, sound decisions in high‑pressure or high‑risk situations
  • Respond to incidents and emergencies, including lockdowns, with calm, clear leadership
  • Assess risk, escalate concerns appropriately, and follow safety protocols accurately
  • Coach and mentor staff, providing constructive feedback to strengthen practice and performance
  • Build inclusive, respectful, and cohesive teams
  • Support resident reintegration, goal‑setting, and pro‑social routines
  • Assist residents with employment‑focused pathways and life‑skills development
  • Communicate clearly with RSMs, staff, volunteers, whānau, and external providers
  • Maintain professional boundaries, strong judgement, and reliability under pressure
  • Committed to professional growth while completing a Bachelor’s in Mental Health & Addiction

Certification

  • Massage (dip)
  • Reflexology (dip)
  • Breathwork
  • Lymphatic drainage
  • Autism and mental health
  • First aid
  • CPI Safety Intervention
  • Fire Safety
  • Person-centred approach
  • Working with Māori
  • Working with Whānau
  • Treaty of Waitangi
  • Privacy Act
  • Stop the bleed course
  • Mental health first aid
  • Mental health and nutrition

References

Rebecca Mackel, Probation.

rebecca.mackle@corrections.govt.nz

Christina Wilson, Probation

christina.wilson@corrections.govt.nz

Timeline

Assistant Residents Supervisor - Ara Poutama Aotearoa
03 2025 - Current
Residential Support Worker - Emerge Aotearoa
04 2024 - 03 2025
Small Business Owner - Smiles Natural Therapies
08 2007 - 03 2025
Open Polytechnic - Bachelor of Science, Mental Health And Wellbeing
Te Wananga Aotearoa - Teo Roa Study ,
Canterbury School of Natural Medicine - Diploma, Massage Therapy
Patricia McGirr